I have 5 years of experience as a social media manager and marketer. I’ve worked with many brands and agencies, but despite this, I find myself stuck in a 9 to 5 job.
The main reason is that I don’t have a personal brand. I started my SMM journey while I was still a student, and between my job and university, I barely had time left to create content for myself. But now that I’ve graduated, I feel like it’s the right time to start something of my own.
I want to venture into digital marketing independently, but I have no idea how to start getting clients. I know I can reach out to local businesses, but how can I expand and get international clients?
What major steps should I take to build a small-scale, service-based agency and break free from the 9 to 5 grind?
Start creating content focused on social media marketing to build a following that can eventually turn into clients. If you’re interested, you could even join me on my creator show to share your expertise as a way to kickstart your content creator journey.
I’ve been in a similar situation before. Starting with local businesses is a good idea, but to expand internationally, you could try platforms like Upwork or Fiverr where global companies look for social media services. Networking is also super important, join LinkedIn groups, forums, or forums focused on digital marketing.
Combining these with consistent personal branding can boost your chances of success in the global market.
I can relate to this. I’ve been a social media marketing professional for over 11 years, and it’s never too late to start building your personal brand.
First, identify the platforms that work best for you. For me, it’s X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
On X/Twitter, engaging by replying to others helps you grow quickly, as it’s a fast-paced platform.
On Instagram, focus on creating reels around topics in your niche to attract attention and build your audience.
Start by building your personal brand. Share your work and tips on social media regularly. Create a simple website to showcase your skills and experience. Network on LinkedIn and join online groups, offering free consultations to local businesses to get referrals. To reach international clients, try platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and don’t hesitate to reach out to brands you admire.